Performing a partner song
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can sing a three-part partner song, considering singing posture and good breathing.
Key learning points
- Singing posture is the best posture for singing with feet apart, knees slightly bent, arms by your sides and head lifted
- Unison is a musical texture where everyone sings the same thing at the same time.
- A partner song is when more than one melody is layered on top of each other to create harmony.
Keywords
Singing posture - the best posture for singing with feet apart, knees slightly bent, arms by your sides and head lifted
Partner song - when more than one melody is layered on top of each other to create harmony
Melody - the main tune or recognisable part in a piece of music
Anacrusis - the opening note or notes of a phrase which start before the first beat of the bar (also called a pickup)
Common misconception
When we are singing different things, we should block out the sound of the groups to concentrate on our own part.
In a partner song, each melody is equally important, so we need to listen carefully to enjoy the harmony and ensure that each part can be heard.
Teacher tip
Start by practising each part separately until the pupils can sing the anacrusis entries accurately and hold the part comfortably with the accompaniment. Gradually combine the parts, building confidence.
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the term for the correct position for singing?
Q2.Where should singers usually take a breath?
Q3.Who first sang spirituals?
Q4.What is a musical sentence called?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the main tune of a song called?
Q2.What is an anacrusis?
Q3.What do we call a song that has different melodies sung together?
Q4.When singing a partner song, what should you do when another group is singing a different part?
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Performing a partner song, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Performing a partner song, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the Year 7 song guides unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.